By Lauren Otis, Staff Writer
Princeton Township police said Monday that there was no indication of gang or racial motivation in a Dec. 3 incident in which two young black men robbed and attacked three Hispanic males in Community Park South.
The incident occurred the evening of Dec. 3 when Brandon Carter, 18, of Ewing, and an unidentified 17-year-old juvenile robbed the three Hispanics, according to a township police press release. Mr. Carter told the victims he had a gun and took one of the Hispanics’ wallets, according to police.
Mr. Carter fled on foot, and the juvenile left the scene in a black Acura TL driven by James Brown, 20, of Trenton, according to police. Police stopped the car, and Mr. Brown was arrested and charged with obstruction of the administration of law.
According to township police, subsequent investigation led to the arrest of the juvenile Dec. 4 on charges of simple assault and criminal mischief. Keith Upshur, 19, of Trenton also was arrested Dec. 7 and charged with criminal mischief in connection with the incident, and Mr. Carter was arrested Dec. 8 and charged with robbery and making terroristic threats. Police determined he did not actually have a handgun during the incident.
”It’s hard to say,” said Detective Annette Henderson over whether the incident might have racial or gang implications.
”There wasn’t anything to indicate that it was a bias incident,” or gang related, Detective Henderson said. “It seems to have been more of an opportunistic thing.”
Racial and gang-related crime has been of concern for Princeton law enforcement officials following incidents several years ago.
lotis@centraljersey.com
